Commercial packaging demands very high quality strapping which can be achieved with plastic strapping tools. The strapping procedure has progressed quite a bit over the past few years so that users no longer need to struggle with steel straps and slow clips. Slow banding process has taken a backseat, leaving the place for hi-tech battery operated plastic strapping. In fact, new battery strapping tools like Fromm P327 and P330 with excellent features. Have raised overall standards quite a bit. These are not only user friendly but also ensure highly reliable operation. Armed with reinforced 18V motor and Lithium ion technology these tools guarantee smooth sailing through the strapping process.

The best thing about the Fromm P-327 is its hi-tech and flexible features. Take for instance heavy Polyester straps which come with widths varying between 16 mm to 25 mm and thicknesses up to 1.53 mm. This dimension suits all kinds of strapping needs, be it traditional steel, heavy weight polyester or polypropylene strapping. And most importantly the user stands to save significant bucks too by shifting from steel strapping.

How to operate the battery strapping tool – P327

1. Start by inserting the Li-ion battery. Make sure it is properly locked in position.
2. The tool contains two adjustment knobs, i.e. tension knob and weld time. Adjust the tension knob to increase or decrease tension, rotating clockwise or anti-clockwise. Do the same with weld time.
3. Check out the rear guide pin to know which strap size to be used.
4. Insert the strap. Hold the strap with one hand behind the tool and squeeze the black lever with the other hand. This will release the guide pin and front gripper.
5. Place the tool on the strap by sliding it properly. Make sure the rear guide pin is clipped.
6. Control tension by pressing button 1.
7. To control seal, use the yellow lever.
8. Remove the tool from the strap once indicator gives green signal.

Safety tips related to using battery operated plastic strapping tools

Be it P327 or any other plastic strapping tool, inspect it thoroughly after purchase and become familiar with seal control and adjustment. Follow all safety instructions mentioned in the manual. Keep in mind that inaccurate operation of the tool, misuse of the strap, or improper tensioning can cause serious injury.

Strapping a skid is easy, here is what you need to know:

Take the gross weight of your skid, and put straps on it to equal 2 x 3 the weight.  The more unstable the load, or dangerous the more banding you need to put on.  Basic safety factor for industrial strapping is 2-3 times the skid weight.

One thing to remember is some strength is lost at the seal.  Just like a chain being only as strong as the weakest link, your strapping will only be as strong as the seal connection.  Typical loss for steel strapping is 25-50%.  Poly strapping loses about 50% with sand seals or serrated seals, and more with smooth poly seals.  Poly welds from battery strapping tools get the best joint losing only 20%.  Cord strapping looses 30-45%.  Make sure you are getting good strapping joint efficiency and adjust your safety factor accordingly.

How to strap a skid depends on the weight of the skid, the strength of the strap, and the loss at the seal.  Combining these factors gets your skid out the door strapped safely.

The standard way to strap a square load (like a pallet) is to put one strap on each side of a pallet.  Thread the skid and take the strapping to the top of the load.  It is easiest to work on top (or side if load it too tall).  Use a feedwheel type tool (pictured on top of page) to pull tension on the strapping.  Standing slightly to the right of the strap, put the straps one on top of the other.  The top strap should be coming toward you.  Squeeze the handle of the tensioner and slide onto the strap.  Crank handle until tight. Put a seal in front of tensioner over both straps.  Use sealer to crimp the clip.  You just learned how to strap!